Did you know Halle Berry is quite a big deal to some people in Midland? No, silly, not the award-winning actress and former model, but a very special salad offered by Cafe American, located at 1525 Washington St. in the old Farmer Jack Plaza.

As I write more columns of fabulous food finds in the area, many people continue to offer very helpful and appreciated restaurant suggestions. One place that I have heard about from the start is Cafe American, and after a recent visit, I was very impressed with my lunch.

More than one person recommended I try the “Halle Berry” salad. What happens when you start a salad with a mix of wonderful greens, then add blueberries, strawberries, feta cheese and walnuts? Awesomeness in a bowl happens, my friends. There is a lot going on in the salad, but it works, thanks to the raspberry vinaigrette dressing that brings it all together.

I added chicken to my salad, but I think it would work deliciously either way. There are a total of nine different salads under the “Fields of Green” (love that title) section of the menu.

Although the salad was plenty for a nice lunch, I ordered a side of Cafe American’s deep fried green beans. They came with a side of sauce that had a nice bite to it, which tasted a bit like horseradish to me. And yes, they were wonderful.

If big salads don’t do it for you, the eatery has a nice assortment of burgers, sandwiches and other meal options, including several different chicken items, perch dinners and ribs. They also offer an intriguing dessert called “Xanga,” which is described as a piece of fried cheesecake served with chocolate and berries. I will be having that next time for sure.

I admit that I love what I call “fun menus.” Cute names for sandwiches, or puns used to describe a tasty dish just do it for me. Cafe American does not disappoint with its witty names for menu items, including sections called “The Declaration of Independence” or the “Star Spangled Banner.”

The service was fast, prices are very reasonable, and the ingredients are fresh and top notch. Those things are all wins in my book in my restaurant travels.

I will be back in the future to try something else at Cafe American. And if the actress Halle Berry happens to read my column and would like to come to Midland for a visit, I know just the place where she can get a delicious salad.

See you at the table.

Matthew Woods writes about his favorite lunch finds. His column, Out to Lunch, will appear here on a regular basis.